Even for weekend campers along Lake Michigan’s eastern shore, September 12 called for replacing swimming and breakwall walks with other plans. A Beach Hazards Statement issued by NWS Gaylord at 3:04 a.m. EDT that day was in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. for Benzie, Manistee, and other areas. Waves of 3 to 5 feet were forecast, along with dangerous rip currents.
The statement directly affected anyone considering entering the water or approaching a breakwall. NWS advised people to stay out of the water and away from piers and breakwalls during that period. Keeping a campground reservation and being able to safely recreate in the lake are separate considerations.
Areas Affected
In addition to Benzie and Manistee counties, the NWS Gaylord statement covered eastern Mackinac, Beaver Island, and nearby islands during the same period. A separate Beach Hazards Statement was also in effect for western Mackinac through Saturday evening, with waves forecast as high as 5 feet. Campers should confirm which zone includes the beach near their lodging.
Farther south, NWS Grand Rapids warned Mason, Oceana, and Muskegon counties of high waves and strong currents from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The statement noted that waves could wash over piers. Heading south along the coast was not necessarily an alternative free of shoreline hazards.
What RV Travelers Need to Know
For family trips, campers should reconsider not only swimming but also activities such as wading at the water’s edge. NWS rip current safety guidance explains that clear skies and pleasant-looking beach weather do not necessarily make swimming or playing in shallow water safe. When guidance calls for staying out of the water, as it did that day, visitors should not judge conditions by eye and enter the lake.
Plans to walk to the end of a breakwall for lighthouse or harbor photos were also best postponed. The day’s statement specifically advised keeping away from piers and breakwalls. Rather than getting close to the water, visitors should spend time on safe land outside restricted areas and follow posted signs and beach manager instructions.
The 8 p.m. expiration marked the end of the statement’s stated validity, not a guarantee that the water would automatically become calm at that time. Anyone planning to return to the beach should check updated local forecasts and on-site guidance. Even if an RV camping stay continued as planned, shifting the day’s focus from swimming to land-based activities was the choice that matched this wave forecast.
Source: NWS Beach Hazards Statement / NWS Rip Current Safety Guidance
Photo: US Army Corps of Engineers / Original photo page (public domain)
